When was the last time you sat down at one of these Hong Kong tea houses? It’s time for an exceptional tea experience.
Hong Kong is all about interesting street food, dim sum, and egg tarts! And if you want to try something different but still original, sit back and sip on some Chinese tea like Pu Erh or Oolong at our favourite Hong Kong tea houses. It’s going to be worth it, we promise.
Try our favourite Hong Kong tea houses
1. Green Ginkgo Tea
Step into Green Ginkgo Tea, without a doubt the coolest tea house in Hong Kong. As a hand-brewed tea bar, it transforms tea drinking into an art form. Here, the skilled tea baristas carefully craft each aromatic cup, utilising bespoke methods alongside premium teas sourced from across the globe. Sip unique elixirs like Sugarless Matcha Soda or Peach Phoenix Oolong while learning all about tea from the experts. For those seeking a tailored experience, the tea Omakase is a must-try – let the baristas conjure up a brew that resonates with your current vibe. Whether you’re well-versed in the world of tea or just beginning your journey, Green Ginkgo Tea offers a completely zen experience that’s bound to impress.
Green Ginkgo Tea, Shop 110, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
2. Lockcha
Looking for a traditional tea drinking experience? Then look no further than Lockcha, where you’ll be transported to a traditional Cantonese tea house. Lockcha prides itself as one of the very few tea houses that uses the finest unblended, pure, single-harvest, estate teas sourced from local farmers since its retail shop was founded back in 1991. Hundreds of teas are available to pair with its vegetarian dim sum for lunch and dinner. And if you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind educational experience, Lockcha is the perfect place to be, as it hosts various cultural programmes like Sunday Music Programme, Chinese Music Tea Concert, and tea and calligraphy classes.
LockCha Tea House has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
3. Plantation by Teakha
Plantation, the brainchild of Teakha founder Nana Chan, injects a breath of fresh air into the traditional tea-drinking scene. As soon as you step into this sanctuary, you’ll find yourself at ease. Take a moment to browse the selection of leafy teas and teaware, each with history as rich as their flavours. Then, we recommend snuggling up at the tea bar for a 30-minute tasting session. Plantation prides itself on keeping things authentic, sourcing directly from the very tea makers who craft these delights. No matter how you prefer your tea, Plantation keeps it straightforward yet fabulous.
Plantation by Teakha, 18 Po Tuck Street, Sai Wan, Hong Kong, p. 5596 6254
4. Yu Teahouse
Yu Teahouse is where contemporary elegance meets time-honoured tea traditions. True to its name, which echoes “fine jade”, Yu offers a carefully selected array of exceptional Chinese teas, including White Peony and Big Red Robe. Each month, Yu shines the spotlight on different tea varieties, inviting you to broaden your palates and discover new favourites. Moreover, the tea house hosts engaging workshops that explore the depths of tea culture, perfect for both connoisseurs and novices alike.
Yu Teahouse has multiple locations across Hong Kong.
5. Choi Lung Restaurant
Tucked away near a village, Choi Lung restaurant offers not only dim sum but also a great selection of Chinese tea. Although small in terms of size, the restaurant has over 40 years of history. While eating here, just serve yourself by picking your own food from the kitchen and making your own tea. Yep, it’s pretty chill!
Choi Lung Restaurant, 2 Chuen Lung Village, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong, p. 2414 3086
6. MingCha Tea House
Learn more about the world of Chinese tea at Mingcha Tea House, where you can join tea tasting activities guided by its in-house tea masters. And don’t worry if you come with your whole family, because the tea brewing and tasting workshop is also suitable for kids! Using teas that are sourced from traditional farms in different parts of China, Mingcha hosts other fun activities too, such as tea pairing sessions with chocolate, ham, cheese, or even mooncakes.
MingCha Tea House, Unit B2, 15/F, Block B, Fortune Factory Building, 40 Lee Chung Street, Chai Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2520 2116
7. Heritage Tea House
Nestled on the ground floor of the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC), Heritage Tea House offers an escape that’s ideal for unwinding with a fine cuppa. The tea selection spans from time-honoured Chinese varieties to contemporary blends, all of which can be savoured alongside an array of dim sum, side dishes, noodle soups, and sweet treats. This tea house is more than just a place to enjoy a brew; it’s a cultural retreat where you can immerse yourself in literature, with an extensive collection of books for your reading pleasure.
Heritage Tea House, Unit L1-06, Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre, 30 Pak Tin Street, Shek Kip Mei, Hong Kong, p. 2779 1030
8. Fukien Tea Company
A true supporter of tea culture in Hong Kong, the Fukien Tea Company is the enduring legacy of a third-generation tea master, Mr Yeung, whose entire life has been steeped in the art of tea. His signature 60-hour roasted Tied Guan Yin Oolong tea is a floral powerhouse, a tribute to his deep-rooted expertise. Booking a session with the master himself gives you access to exceptional brews and pearls of wisdom. The chic, classic clay teapots available also amplify the authenticity of your tea experience, marrying style with tradition.
Fukien Tea Company, 6 Mercer Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2544 7263
9. Ying Kee Tea House
Making tea for over 135 years, Ying Kee Tea House offers an authentic Chinese tea drinking experience like no other. First established in Guangzhou during the reign of Guangxu Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, this tea house now has numerous branches across Hong Kong and provides a variety of tea leaves, such as puerh tea, green tea, black tea, oolong tea, white tea, and jasmine tea. Also, its teaware is available for purchase for those who enjoy having tea in the comfort of their own home. As one of the most established Hong Kong tea houses, Ying Kee is not to be missed.
Ying Kee Tea House (英記茶莊) has multiple branches across Hong Kong.
10. Basao Tea
Focusing on delivering an authentic and mindful experience to all its guests, Basao has a team of certified tea sommeliers to help you understand the art of tea. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city at the in-house Chinese gongfu tea ceremonies, or by taking part in the preparation of classic Japanese matcha. Aside from traditional teas, Basao also offers more innovative tea-infused products, such as cakes and cold brews.
Basao Tea has locations in Causeway Bay and Wan Chai.
11. Tealosophy Tea Bar
Hailing from Macau, Tealosophy Tea Bar is a Japanese-style tea house situated in the heart of Hong Kong. In addition to its range of premium Chinese and Japanese teas, the tea bar also specialises in hand-drip specialty teas and aims to promote oriental tea culture. If you’d like to accompany your tea with some nibbles, try the ochazuke (rice with tea) sets or the Japanese sweets.
Tealosophy Tea Bar, G/F, Win Hing House, 36-38 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong
12. Tea Express Bar by Jrink
Go check out Jrink’s collection of exclusive blends, which consist of over 120 different house-made blends tea with unique characteristics. Brewed using the advanced craft brewing machine Alpha Dominche Steampunk 4.1, its hand-blended artisanal teas are sourced from top-tier organic tea farms and selected botanicals. Its premium loose-leaf fruit and herbal teas can be served hot or cold – simply grab and go for a quick tea break.
Tea Express Bar by Jrink, Kiosk 51, 3/F, K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, p. 6073 7072
13. Matchali
Brought to life by the matcha-loving cousins Cara and Laura Li, Matchali takes green tea to exhilarating new levels. Enjoy the rich, ceremonial-grade matcha sourced directly from Kyoto farms, all expertly whisked for your pleasure. Opt for a classic matcha latte or venture into the adventurous with the fruity Starburst Matcha. The tea house’s minimalist, nature-inspired interior is both calming and Instagrammable. Step inside and you’ll be greeted by the sight of the team meticulously crafting artful matcha drinks in the open kitchen – a serene backdrop perfect for those who appreciate witnessing the art of making tea. Plus, Matchali doesn’t stop there at matcha – you can sample rare global teas here, too, with the selection curated by Plantation by Teakha.
Matchali, 5 Moon Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 9880 7661
[This article was originally published in September 2018 and updated in 2024 by Catherine Pun.]
